Neil Patrick Harris to Host NBC Variety Show

As first reported by Vulture, and now confirmed by NBC, the show will be based on the U.K.'s Saturday Night Takeaway. Harris' version will not share the title, or even air on Saturdays. It will be an hour long, and likely be based out of New York.

ITV, the production company behind the U.K. version, shopped the rights to networks and is said to have requested an on-the-air, ten-episode order. Sources also say that ITV was asking for more than $2.5 million per episode.

"As I watched the show, I couldn't stop smiling. Now that I've seen many seasons, my face hurts. It's a game changer,” Harris said. “Nothing like this has been done before, and it's unique structure fits right into my random skill set. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and have some fun!"

Harris currently stars in Gone Girl, and was recently tapped to host the 87th annual Academy Awards in February.

Steve Watts is a freelance writer who hopes he can fit this around his busy Dr. Horrible 2 schedule. You can read more of his keen insights by following him on Twitter and IGN.